Student Parent Handbook 2019-2020 as of 8.13.19

Grading System
Grades are a measure of how well you’ve done alongside others who have studied
the same thing at the same time as you. Grades let you know where you stand.
They are intended as neither a punishment nor a primary inducement. You are in
school for an education, not for grades. Provided you have worked hard, it is okay
to get a “C.”
Grading tends to be tougher at Sandia Prep than at other schools. However,
colleges and universities realize that this is the case with independent schools, and
will look at your transcript in this light. We also explain to colleges and universities
that, because our classes are small, we do not rank you in your class.
Letter grades are placed on a 4.0* numerical scale to help compute your GPA. The
grading standards are as follows:
A+ = 4.0
A = 4.0
A- = 3.7
B+ = 3.3
B = 3.0
B- = 2.7
C+ = 2.3
C = 2.0
C- = 1.7
D+ = 1.3
D = 1.0
D- = 0.7
F = 0
We report grades every nine weeks. In Upper School, final examinations are given
the week before each semester’s end. In Middle School, there are no final exams,
except for Upper School courses being taken for credit. Each teacher will explain
his or her grading system to you during the first week of school.
Incomplete grades must be made up by the end of the first week of the next
marking period. For eligibility, see Eligibility to Participate in Athletics (page 24.)
Graduation Requirements:
— 4 credits in English
— 3 credits in History, including U.S. History in 11th grade
— 3 credits in Mathematics, including Algebra II
— 3 credits in Science
— 2 credits in the same Modern Language in the Upper School
— 1 credit in Visual or Performing Arts
— 1 credit in Visual or Performing Arts or Communications
— 1/2 credit in Digital Media and Communications
— 1 credit in PE (At least one year-long course in any grade.)*
— Successful completion of Senior Capstone
An additional five elective courses must be taken to bring the credit hour total to 23
½. A minimum of 23 ½ credits is required to graduate.
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To allow for flexibility, the Prep graduation requirement is 23 ½ credits as listed
above; however, college counseling suggests that students who are interested in
the most selective colleges consider taking core classes beyond the minimum.
* The Upper School PE credit can be earned through participation in an athletic
activity. This is defined by competing against an opponent(s) for two seasons, ½
credit each, of a single sport or multiple sports to meet the PE requirement. At
least ½ credit must be earned by the end of the student’s 9th grade year with the
second ½ credit being earned by the end of the student’s 10th grade year. Any
student not earning at least ½ credit of PE by the end of their 9th grade year will
be enrolled in PE their 10th year. A student who has not completed the full year
requirement by the end of their 10th grade will be enrolled in PE for their 11th grade
year.
For students participating in athletic activity outside of Prep, a Sandia Prep
Physical Education Exemption form must be signed by the student's parent(s)
and coach. Forms can be obtained from the Athletic Director or found on the
Parent Portal. All athletic activities must be approved by the Athletic Director/
PE Department Chair to receive PE credit. (This policy doesn’t apply to 8th grade
students who are participating on sports teams at the upper school level.)
Students who are enrolled in a PE class may not earn an additional credit for
athletic activity.
Honor Society (National), Lion and Unicorn Chapter
The purpose of the National Honor Society is to create enthusiasm for
scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote worthy
leadership and to encourage character development. The Lion and Unicorn
Chapter at Sandia Prep is an active service organization. To be eligible for
consideration, a student must have been at SPS for one year, be an 11th- or
12th-grader, and have earned a 3.5 GPA in courses taken at Sandia Prep.
Independent Study
Students wishing to explore an area of study more deeply may do so one year
or one semester through independent study. To register for independent study
students must:
1. Choose a faculty mentor.
2. Submit a proposal outlining the purpose of the course, the materials used,
assignments, assessments, and a schedule of meetings with a faculty advisor.
3. Complete a registration form (pick up from Division Head.)
Reminder: One year of independent study equals 1/2 credit; one semester equal
1/4 credit.
A student must take six courses in addition to the independent study.
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